What is hand-foot-and-mouth disease?
Hand-foot-and-mouth disease, or HFMD, is a type of contagious viral illness that causes a rash in the mouth and on the hands and feet of infants and young children, and, while rare, adults. Characterized by sores in the mouth and a rash on the hands and feet, hand-foot-and-mouth disease is most commonly caused by a coxsackievirus, a bacterium that lives in the human digestive tract. HFMD can spread from person to person, typically via unwashed hands.
What are the symptoms of HFMD?
Symptoms of HFMD usually begin with a fever, sore throat, poor appetite, or general malaise. A couple of days after the fever starts, kids may develop painful sores in the mouth. A skin rash characterized by red spots may also develop, usually on the palms of your child’s hands and soles of their feet. It’s important to note some children may only experience a rash while others may only have mouth sores.
Is HFMD serious? Should we be concerned?
Usually not. Nearly all children infected recover anywhere between seven to ten days without medical treatment. Rarely, however, a child can develop viral meningitis and may need to be hospitalized. Other rare complications of HFMD can include encephalitis (brain inflammation), which can be fatal.
How can my child prevent HFMD?
There is no known vaccine to defend your child against HFMD. However, the risk of your child contracting the disease can be reduced by:
Making sure your child washes his or her hands often
Thoroughly cleaning objects and surfaces (these include doorknobs and toys)
Making sure your child avoids close contact with those who are infected
To learn more about hand-foot-and-mouth disease or schedule an appointment for your child, please give us a call at our Friendswood, TX office!
Do you know how to prevent or manage gum disease? Read here for some deep cleaning tips and learn about the best toothpaste for gum disease.
Do you need a dental operation? Getting oral surgery could actually improve your oral health. Find out the benefits in this guide.
How often to whiten teeth depends on a few factors, but what's important is to not go overboard. This guide tells you when to schedule your next session.
There are several reasons for getting dental implants in Friendswood, TX. Learn more about these advantages by checking out this guide.
There are several reasons why you may be in need of cosmetic dentistry in Friendswood, TX. Learn more about these options right here.
Dental bonding is a beneficial treatment that can help improve and enhance your smile. In this guide to cosmetic dentistry, learn more about what dental bonding is.
Are you wondering if cosmetic dental care is right for you? Read here for a patient's guide to the latest advancements in cosmetic dentistry.
You may be thinking about visiting your Friendswood dentist for some cosmetic dental work. Take a look at this guide to find out more about cosmetic dentistry.
Click here to learn about the different types of dental crowns and why you might need them in this guide from a dentist in Friendswood, TX.
Curious about the process for getting braces for teens? Calm your worries and learn about the orthodontics process step by step here!
For Kids
For Adults
Website designed and maintained by Xpress, INC